Components for fiber optic cable installation on a powerline conductor

ABSTRACT

The disclosed fiber optic cable splice case may include (1) an outer enclosure with a plurality of cable funnels defining paths from an exterior to an interior of the outer enclosure, (2) a clamp connected to the exterior of the outer enclosure, where the clamp attaches the outer enclosure to a powerline conductor, and (3) an inner enclosure positioned at least partially within, and rotatably coupled to, the outer enclosure, where the inner enclosure defines (a) a splice cavity within the inner enclosure, where the cavity is configured to store an optical fiber splice tray for coupling corresponding optical fibers of each of a pair of fiber optic cable segments and (b) a cable channel about an exterior of the inner enclosure, where the cable channel carries a portion of each of the pair of segments between the funnels and the cavity. Various other components and methods are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/102,383, filed 23 Nov. 2020, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/941,615, filed 27 Nov.2019, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated, in its entirety,by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodimentsand are a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary operatingenvironment, including a powerline conductor, in which various exemplaryembodiments may be employed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary robotic system that mayinstall a segment of fiber optic cable onto a powerline conductor.

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic cablesplice case employable in the operating environment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the exemplary splice case of FIG.3 .

FIG. 5 is an end view of the exemplary splice case of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the exemplary splice case of FIG.3 , highlighting an inner enclosure of the splice case.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exemplary splice case of FIG. 3 ,highlighting the inner enclosure of the splice case.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary splice case ofFIG. 3 .

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the inner enclosure of the exemplarysplice case of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the inner enclosure of theexemplary splice case of FIG. 3 , depicting a fiber optic cable 112installed therein.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic cablesplice case.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary loading assembly includingan exemplary loading device employable for installing a fiber opticcable splice case on a powerline conductor.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the exemplary loading device of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the exemplary loading assembly of FIG.12 during installation of a fiber optic cable splice case onto apowerline conductor.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for employing andinstalling a fiber optic cable splice case onto a powerline conductor.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp in an installedconfiguration for securing a fiber optic cable onto a powerlineconductor, such as in the operating environment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 17 is a side view of the exemplary clamp of FIG. 16 in an open oruninstalled configuration.

FIGS. 18-21 are side views of the exemplary clamp of FIG. 16 duringinstallation of the clamp onto a powerline conductor and an associatedfiber optic cable.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp of FIG. 16 with anexemplary cable guide attached thereto.

FIG. 23 is an end view of the exemplary claim of FIG. 16 with theexemplary cable guide of FIG. 22 attached thereto.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp accessory forcoupling a hot stick to the exemplary clamp of FIG. 16 to control theclamp.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp accessory of FIG.24 coupled to the exemplary clamp of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for installing a clamponto a powerline conductor and an associated fiber optic cable.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While theexemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, thepresent disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Robotic devices may be employed to install fiber optic cable ontopreexisting power infrastructure, such as powerline conductors forelectrical power transmission and distribution lines, by way ofhelically wrapping the fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor.Such an installation may benefit from the use of the preexistingright-of-way and corresponding infrastructure (e.g., power conductors,electrical towers or poles, and so on) associated with the electricalpower distribution system. Such a robotic device may include, in someexamples, a drive subsystem that causes the robotic device to travelalong the powerline conductor (e.g., between towers or poles) while arotation subsystem of the device helically wraps the fiber optic cableabout the conductor.

Traditionally, the robotic device carries a segment of the fiber opticcable on a spool from which the cable is paid out as the cable iswrapped about the powerline conductor. Further, to facilitate thewrapping, the spool is typically mounted on a mechanical arm thatrotates about the powerline conductor. Moreover, a counterweight issometimes employed to balance the weight of the spool, thus contributingto the overall weight of the robotic system. In other examples, thesegment of cable may be deployed as a “spool-free” fiber optic cableconfiguration or bundle for installation. In such examples, the cablemay be wound in a circular or non-circular shape for placement in a tubor other container to be carried by the robotic device.

During or after such placement of fiber optic cable segments onto thepowerline conductor, other tasks may be performed to complete theinstallation, as described in greater detail below. For example,corresponding optical fibers of consecutive segments of the cable may befused or otherwise joined to form a long, continuous fiber optic cablecommunicatively connecting two communication points or nodes together.Additionally, a plurality of cable clamps may be installed along thepowerline conductor to secure the fiber optic cable thereto.

Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying appendices.

Below, a brief description of an exemplary operating environment inwhich an exemplary robotic system for installing fiber optic cable mayoperate is provided in connection with FIG. 1 . An exemplary roboticsystem for installing fiber optic cable is briefly discussed inconjunction with FIG. 2 . Thereafter, embodiments of an exemplary fiberoptic cable splice case and associated loading assembly are disclosed inconjunction with FIGS. 3-14 , while exemplary methods of employing sucha splice case to couple two fiber optic cable segments are explored inconnection with FIG. 15 . Further, in relation to FIGS. 16-25 ,embodiments of an exemplary clamp and associated accessory aredescribed, and exemplary methods of installing such a clamp to retainthe fiber optic cable at the powerline conductor is discussed inconjunction with FIG. 26 .

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary operatingenvironment 100 in which various embodiments disclosed herein may beutilized. As depicted in the example of FIG. 1 , operating environment100 may include an electrical power transmission or distribution systemhaving a plurality of utility poles 102 carrying multiple powerlineconductors 101. Examples of powerline conductors 101 may includestranded cables, but powerline conductors 101 are not restricted to suchembodiments. While any number of powerline conductors 101 may be carriedvia utility poles 102, two powerline conductors 101 are illustrated inFIG. 1 for visual simplicity. In some examples, powerline conductors 101are mechanically coupled to utility poles 102 via insulators 104,although other types of components (e.g., taps, standoffs, etc.) may beemployed in various embodiments. While specific reference is made hereinto utility poles 102, any type of utility pole, H-frame, lattice tower,or other type of pole or tower that carries or supports one or morepowerline conductors 101 may be included and covered in variousembodiments of operating environment 100 discussed below. Additionally,powerline conductors 101 may include one or more phase conductors,ground wires, static wires, or other conductors supported by utilitypoles 102, towers, or the like.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a fiber optic cable 112 aligned with, andmechanically coupled to, powerline conductor 101. In some embodiments,fiber optic cable 112 may be helically wrapped about powerline conductor101, such as by way of a human-powered or electrically powered roboticdevice. However, other physical relationships between powerlineconductor 101 and fiber optic cable 112 are also possible. While onlyone fiber optic cable 112 is depicted in FIG. 1 , multiple powerlineconductors 101 employing the same utility poles 102 may each have acorresponding fiber optic cable 112 attached or otherwise coupledthereto. As depicted in FIG. 1 , fiber optic cable 112 may be secured topowerline conductor 101 via one or more cable clamps 106. In someexamples, fiber optic cable 112 may follow a powerline conductor 101associated with a particular phase of the power being transmitted, orfiber optic cable 112 may alternate between two or three differentphases. Moreover, each fiber optic cable 112 may carry one or moreoptical fibers for facilitating communication within operatingenvironment 100.

Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates an optical fiber splice case 108 that,in some embodiments, splices together corresponding ends of opticalfibers of fiber optic cable 112. For example, relatively long stretches(e.g., multiple-kilometer spans) of fiber optic cable 112 that may becoupled to powerline conductor 101 may be mechanically coupled together,thermally fused together, or otherwise coupled in optical fiber splicecase 108, which may include optical couplers, amplifiers, and/or othercomponents to facilitate transmission of optical data signals from onespan of fiber optic cable 112 to the next. Additionally, in someembodiments, optical fiber splice case 108 may include wireless accesspoints and other networking components (e.g., for communication withInternet of Things (IoT) devices, smart grid sensors (e.g., voltagesensors, current sensors, and the like), and user access networks).Moreover, optical fiber splice case 108 may include optical,electromagnetic, and other types of sensors to measure powerlineconditions; environmental sensors for measuring temperature, humidity,and so on; video cameras for surveillance; and the like. To power suchcomponents, optical fiber splice case 108 may also include solar cellsand/or batteries. In some examples, such as that shown in FIG. 1 ,optical fiber splice case 108 may be attached to, or positioned on ornear, powerline conductor 101, as opposed to being mounted on a lowerportion of utility pole 102, thus potentially eliminating the use of aphase-to-ground transition that otherwise may be coupled with eachlength of fiber optic cable 112 to provide electrical isolation frompowerline conductor 101.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary robotic system 200 forinstalling fiber optic cable (e.g., fiber optic cable 112) onto apowerline conductor (e.g., powerline conductor 101). As depicted in FIG.2 , robotic system 200 may include a drive subsystem 202, an extensionsubsystem 204, a rotation subsystem 206, and/or a payload subsystem 210.In some embodiments, FIG. 2 provides a general representation of howsubsystems 202-210 are mechanically coupled to each other, althoughother examples may possess alternative connection arrangements. In someembodiments, drive subsystem 202 may translate along powerline conductor101. Also, in some examples, extension subsystem 204 may mechanicallycouple rotation subsystem 206 to drive subsystem 202 and selectivelyextend rotation subsystem 206, along with payload subsystem 210, awayfrom drive subsystem 202 and/or powerline conductor 101 to avoidobstacles (e.g., insulators 104) along powerline conductor 101. Rotationsubsystem 206, in some examples, may rotate payload subsystem 210, whichmay in turn carry a segment of fiber optic cable 112, about powerlineconductor 101 while drive subsystem 202 translates along powerlineconductor 101 such that the segment of fiber optic cable 112 is wrappedhelically about powerline conductor 101.

Moreover, in some embodiments, rotation subsystem 206 may include one ormore stabilization components (e.g., one or more thrusters) that mayhelp attain or maintain a desired position of rotation subsystem 206and/or other portions of robotic system 200 relative to powerlineconductor 101, such as directly above powerline conductor 101. Further,in some examples, the stabilization components may be employed at leastduring times when extension subsystem 204 is extending rotationsubsystem 206 (and, consequently, payload subsystem 210) away frompowerline conductor 101.

Embodiments of exemplary fiber optic cable splice cases (e.g., opticalfiber splice case 108), as described below, may be employed to splicetogether ends of consecutive segments of fiber optic cable (e.g., fiberoptic cable 112) at a location removed from the powerline conductor(e.g., powerline conductor 101) upon which the fiber optic cable isbeing installed, after which the splice case may be moved and attachedto the powerline conductor while facilitating the taking up of slack inthe fiber optic cable segments that may result from moving the splicecase to the powerline conductor. Further, embodiments of exemplary cableclamps (e.g., cable clamp 106), as described below, may be installed atvarious positions to secure the fiber optic cable onto the powerlineconductor while reducing the possibility of inflicting structural damageto the fiber optic cable.

FIGS. 3-11 are various views of an exemplary fiber optic cable splicecase 300 and portions thereof. To begin, FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are lowerperspective, upper perspective, and end views, respectively, of splicecase 300, which is shown attached to powerline conductor 101. Morespecifically, splice case 300 may include an outer enclosure 302 that isattached to powerline conductor 101 by way of two case clamps 306 thatare actuated by corresponding clamping bolts 308. As seen in FIGS. 4 and5 , a clamp standoff 314 may couple each case clamp 306 to outerenclosure 302. In some examples, to facilitate the use of metal for caseclamp 306 for attachment to a line potential at powerline conductor 101,clamp standoff 314 may be constructed of a tracking resistant insulator(e.g., nonmetallic) material to provide a high degree of electricalisolation between powerline conductor 101 and outer enclosure 302. (Asused herein, the term “tracking” may generally refer to the electricalor dielectric breakdown of an insulating material that may occur in thepresence of high voltage, particularly in an outdoor (e.g., highhumidity) environment.) Additionally, clamp standoff 314 may operate asa thermal buffer to isolate outer enclosure 302 and the remainder ofsplice case 300 from heat generated in powerline conductor 101.Additionally, in at least some embodiments, outer enclosure 302 may alsobe constructed of a tracking resistant and/or heat resistant insulatingmaterial.

Further, a clamping bolt 308 (e.g., a ferromagnetic bolt), whenappropriately tightened, may cause case clamp 306 to securely grippowerline conductor 101, as depicted in FIGS. 3-5 . In some embodiments,to facilitate the tightening of clamping bolt 308 safely from somedistance away (e.g., a few feet) from powerline conductor 101, a sockethead (not shown in the drawings) attached to a distal end of a hot stickmay be used. (As used herein, a “hot stick” may generally refer to apole made of a light, strong insulating material (e.g., fiberglass) towhich various types of tools or accessories may be attached to a distalend thereof to facilitate the performance of tasks by a utility workerin close proximity to a high-voltage powerline conductor.) In someexamples, such a socket head may possess a deep profile with an embeddedmagnet at or near the base of the socket head. Consequently, in someexamples, when the socket head is employed to tighten clamping bolt 308,the magnet may provide a magnet force such that when clamping bolt 308is in a loosened position, the head of clamping bolt 308 may be locatedclose to the magnet, thus maximizing the magnetic force imposed onclamping bolt 308. In some examples, such force may be sufficient tosupport an entirety of splice case 300 via the hot stick. Further, asclamping bolt 308 is tightened, the distance between the head ofclamping bolt 308 and the magnet in the socket head may progressivelyincrease. Accordingly, at or near the point clamping bolt 308 is fullytightened at case clamp 306, the magnetic force upon clamping bolt 308may be reduced such that the hot stick may be used to easily withdrawthe socket head from clamping bolt 308.

Also shown in FIGS. 3-5 are a plurality of cable funnels 310 (e.g.,coupled to opposing ends of outer enclosure 302), each of which maydefine a path between an exterior and an interior of outer enclosure302. As depicted, two cable funnels 310 may be positioned at opposingends of outer enclosure 302, although other numbers of cable funnels 310may be used in other examples. In such cases, each cable funnel 310 mayaccept at least one corresponding segment of fiber optic cable 112 suchthat the two segments entering outer enclosure 302 through correspondingcable funnels 310 may be joined within splice case 300. In addition, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the opposing ends of outer enclosure 302 may bealigned along powerline conductor 101 when splice case 300 is attachedthereto. Further, in some examples, cable funnels 310 may be offset oneither side of a centerline of splice case 300 aligned parallel topowerline conductor 101. As described in greater detail below, such anoffset may facilitate retraction into outer enclosure 302 of an excessamount of the segments of fiber optic cable 112. In some examples, cablefunnels 310 may be shaped such that the segments of fiber optic cable112 may not be bent beyond a minimum bend radius for fiber optic cable112 that may otherwise inflict damage thereon. While cable funnels 310are illustrated as extending externally beyond the opposing ends ofsplice case 300, in other embodiments, cable funnels 310 be residesubstantially completely within an extended outer enclosure 1102, asdepicted in FIG. 11 .

Further with respect to FIGS. 3-5 , splice case 300 may include an innerenclosure 304 that is located in its entirely within outer enclosure302. In other examples not described herein, inner enclosure 304 may atleast partially extend beyond (e.g., below) outer enclosure 302. Also,inner enclosure 304 may be rotatably coupled to outer enclosure 302(e.g., about a vertical rotational axis or hub substantially centered oninner enclosure 304. Moreover, as depicted herein, inner enclosure 304may exhibit a substantially cylindrical shape that defines therotational axis about which inner enclosure 304 may rotate relative toouter enclosure 302. As described in greater detail below, this rotationmay be employed to take up slack in the segments of fiber optic cable112 into outer enclosure 302 via cable funnels 310.

In some embodiments, a bottom surface of inner enclosure 304 may definea pair of tool engagement holes 312 diametrically opposite each otheracross the rotational axis of inner enclosure 304. As is discussed morefully below, an external tool may engage tool engagement holes 312 torotate inner enclosure 304 relative to outer enclosure 302. Also, insome examples, more than one pair of tool engagement holes 312 may bedefined by inner enclosure 304 to provide multiple locations at varyingangles about the rotational axis of inner enclosure 304 by which theexternal tool may engage with inner enclosure 304. In other embodiments,a component of splice case 300 (e.g., internal to outer enclosure 302),such as a spring-loaded mechanism, may provide the mechanical force torotate inner enclosure 304.

FIGS. 6 and 7 provide upper perspective and side views, respectively, ofinner enclosure 304, while depicting outer enclosure 302 in outline or“wireframe” form. Further, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of splicecase 300 displaying several details of inner enclosure 304. In addition,FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective and partial perspective views,respectively, of inner enclosure 304 in isolation. As seen in FIGS. 6-8, inner enclosure 304 may define a cable channel 602 about an exterior(e.g., about a circumference of a cylindrical surface) of innerenclosure 304. Cable channel 602, in some examples, may resemble a spoolwith flanges that form a U-shape cross-section for cable channel 602 inwhich a retracted portion of the segments of fiber optic cable 112 beingjoined may be stored by way of the rotation of inner enclosure 304. Inaddition, FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a hub 604 that rotatably couples innerenclosure 304 to outer enclosure 302.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , inner enclosure 304 may also define asplice cavity 904 within which the joined ends of the segments of fiberoptic cable 112 may be stored. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG.8 , one or more splice trays 802 that couple ends of correspondingoptical fibers of the segments of fiber optic cable 112 may be storedand secured within splice cavity 904. In some examples, a single splicetray 802 may be used that holds 24 splices for joining 24 optical fibersfrom two fiber optic cable 112 segments (one per cable funnel 310),while in other examples, two splice trays 802 may be located withinsplice cavity 904 (e.g., in a stacked configuration, as shown in FIG. 8), with each splice tray 802 joining two separate pairs of fiber opticcable 112 segments, for a total 48 splices and four fiber optical cable112 segments (two per cable funnel 310).

To provide a weatherproof enclosure for the optical fiber splices, innerenclosure 304 may include an inner enclosure lid 606 that covers abottom opening of splice cavity 904. In some embodiments, innerenclosure lid 606 may define tool engagement holes 312, described above.In some examples, inner enclosure lid 606 may include a weather-sealinglip that mates with the bottom opening of inner enclosure 304. Moreover,in some embodiments, inner enclosure lid 606 may be secured to innerenclosure 304 using a retaining ring 608.

To facilitate transition of each segment of fiber optic cable 112 fromcable channel 602 into splice cavity 904, an end of the segment may befed through a hole in cable channel 602 (shown, for example, in FIG. 7 )into a cable recess 902 of inner enclosure 304 before entering intosplice cavity 904 via a cable gland 804 (e.g., as depicted to besteffect in FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Cable gland 804, in at least some examples,may be a strain relief device for attaching electrical or optical cablesto bulkheads or plates that provide a hole through which the cable is toextend. As shown in FIG. 10 , the arrangement of cable recess 902 andcable gland 804 relative to cable channel 602 may facilitate routing ofthe associated segment fiber optic cable 112 segment into splice cavity904 without violating a minimum bend radius of fiber optic cable 112.

In view of the structure of splice case 300, as described above,rotation of inner enclosure 304 relative to outer enclosure 302 (e.g.,clockwise from the point of view of FIGS. 9 and 10 ) would result in theretraction of all segments (e.g., two or four segments) of fiber opticcable 112 by drawing the segments into outer enclosure 302 through cablefunnels 310 while wrapping the segments onto inner enclosure 304 atcable channel 602.

In some examples, after the ends of the segments of fiber optic cable112 are joined and secured within inner enclosure 304 (e.g., at or nearground level), an installer or operator may employ a tool in the form ofa loading assembly to position splice case 300 at powerline conductor101. FIGS. 12-14 provide various views of such a loading assembly 1200that may include a loading device 1202 that interfaces with splice case300, an actuator rod 1206 (e.g., constructed from a insulating material)for operating loading device 1202, and a hot stick 1204 that may supportsplice case 300 during installation. More specifically, FIG. 12 is aperspective view of loading assembly 1200, FIG. 13 is a perspective viewof loading device 1202, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of loadingassembly 1200 during an installation or loading of splice case 300 ontopowerline conductor 101.

As shown to best effect in FIG. 13 , loading device 1202 may include aframe 1310 upon which two rack and pinion gears 1316 are mounted. Asillustrated, each rack and pinion gear 1316 may use a dual rackarrangement in which the pinion is rotatably coupled to frame 1310 andthe associated racks may be translated synchronously via the piniontogether or apart relative to frame 1310. Further, one rack of each rackand pinion gear 1316 may be connected to a first jaw 1312, while theother rack of each rack and pinion gear 1316 may be connected to asecond jaw 1314 such that first jaw 1312 and second jaw 1314 selectivelyengage with, or disengage from, splice case 300. For example, to controlthe position of first jaw 1312 and second jaw 1314, an operator maymaneuver actuator rod 1206, shown attached to first jaw 1312 in FIG. 13, while maintaining frame 1310 steady via hot stick 1204, to urge firstjaw 1312 and second jaw 1314 together or apart. In yet otherembodiments, other mechanical subsystems (e.g., bar linkages) may beemployed in lieu of rack and pinion gears 1316 to couple first jaw 1312and second jaw 1314 together as described above.

Also included in loading device 1202 may be a constant force springassembly 1318 coupled to frame 1310 and to a rotating arm 1320 having apair of diametrically opposed engagement pins 1322. In at least someembodiments, engagement pins 1322 may be configured to engage toolengagement holes 312 of inner enclosure 304 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to rotateinner enclosure 304 using constant force spring assembly 1328. Tofacilitate this engagement, a center or hub of rotating arm 1320 that iscoupled with constant force spring assembly 1328 may be centereddirectly between the pinions of rack and pinion gears 1316 so thatengagement pins 1322 will align correctly with tool engagement holes 312when rotating arm 1320 is oriented appropriately. In some examples,prior to engaging splice case 300 with loading device 1202, the operatormay preload mechanical energy into constant force spring assembly 1318such that when the energy is released after splice case 300 is engagedby loading device 1202 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 ), rotating arm 1320may rotate inner enclosure 304 to take up slack in the segments of fiberoptic cable 112 joined within splice case 300. In some embodiments, alatch or other mechanism not explicitly shown in FIGS. 12-14 may preventthe release of energy from constant force spring assembly 1318 untilrotation of inner enclosure 304 is desired.

In some embodiments, loading assembly 1200 may also be utilized to carrysplice case 300 from an installed position to another position (e.g.,removed and lowered from powerline conductor 101) to perform repair orreplacement operations on one or more components of splice case 300 orfiber optic cable 112. For example, loading assembly 1200 may be engagedwith splice case 300 by way of first jaw 1312 and second jaw 1314 ofloading device 1202 while case clamps 306 are loosened. Hot stick 1204may then be used to lower splice case 300 away from powerline conductor101 while allowing the portions of fiber optic cable 112 wrapped aboutinner enclosure 304 to be extracted via cable funnels 310 as innerenclosure 304 rotates. In some embodiments, loading device 1202 may beconfigured such that mechanical energy may be stored in constant forcespring assembly 1318 due to the rotation of inner enclosure 304 assplice case 300 is lowered such that constant force spring assembly 1318may store a sufficient amount of energy after the repair or replacementoperation to raise splice case 300 toward powerline conductor 101 oncemore prior to reattachment thereto.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1500 for employing andinstalling a fiber optic cable splice case (e.g., splice case 300) ontoa powerline conductor (e.g., powerline conductor 101). While method 1500is described as employing splice case 300 and loading assembly 1200,other splice cases and loading assemblies other than those explicitlydescribed herein may be employed in method 1500 in other embodiments.

In method 1500 at step 1510, an operator may feed ends of segments of afiber optic cable (e.g., fiber optic cable 112) through opposing cablefunnels (e.g., cable funnels 310) into an inner enclosure (e.g., innerenclosure 304) of the splice case. In some embodiments, as describedabove, the ends may be fed through holes in corresponding cable channel602 and adjacent cable recess 902 into splice cavity 904, where thesegment of the fiber optic cable may be retained by way of cable gland804. In some examples, each segment of the fiber optic cable may becoupled with (e.g., helically wrapped about) the powerline conductor.Further, at this point in method 1500, the splice case may be positionedat or near ground level, which may result in an amount of slack in thesegment of the fiber optic cable when the splice case is ultimatelypositioned at the powerline conductor for attachment thereto. In otherexamples, the splice case may be located closer to the powerlineconductor, which may result in less slack in the fiber optic cablesegments.

At step 1520, the ends of corresponding optical fibers of the segmentsof the fiber optic cable may then be joined, such as by way of anoptical fiber splice tray, thus joining the two segments to extend thecommunication path provided by those segments. Thereafter, at step 1530,the optical fiber splice tray may be installed or secured in the innerenclosure (e.g., in splice cavity 904). Also, at step 1540, the opticalfiber splice case may be secured in preparation for installation on thepowerline conductor. In some example, the splice case may be secured byway of installing a lid (e.g., inner enclosure lid 606, possibly inconjunction with retaining ring 608) over splice cavity 904 to rendersplice cavity 904 weatherproof.

At step 1550, the splice case may be moved into a position proximate thepowerline conductor while rotating the inner enclosure to take up slackin the segments of the fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, thesplice case may be captured by a loading assembly (e.g., loadingassembly 1200) and raised or otherwise moved into the position proximatethe powerline conductor using the loading assembly. Also, as describedabove, the same loading assembly may be engaged with the inner enclosureof the splice case to rotate the inner enclosure to retract any slack inthe segments of fiber optic cable that may be created when moving thesplice case into position at the powerline conductor. Further, thisretraction may occur while the splice case is being moved and/or afterthe splice case is in position at the powerline conductor. At step 1560,the splice case may then be secured to the powerline conductor (e.g.,using case clamps 306 in conjunction with clamping bolts 308).

As indicated above, the loading assembly may also be employed torelocate the splice case away from the powerline conductor after thesplice case has been de-clamped to enable repair or replacement tasksassociated with the splice case or the fiber optic cable prior toreinstallation of the splice case, as described in method 1500.

FIGS. 16-23 are various views of an exemplary clamp 1600 that may serveas cable clamp 106 of FIG. 1 to secure a fiber optic cable (e.g., fiberoptic cable 112) to a powerline conductor (e.g., powerline conductor101). In at least some embodiments, multiple clamps 1600 may be deployedon powerline conductor 101 at approximately some predetermined intervalalong powerline conductor 101.

FIG. 16 , for example, is a perspective view of clamp 1600 in aninstalled configuration for securing fiber optic cable 112 to powerlineconductor 101. As shown, clamp 1600 retains powerline conductor 101 andfiber optic cable 112 separately by way of actuation of an eyebolt 1602extending through various components of clamp 1600. Further, clamp 1600may be configured such that fiber optic cable 112 is captured andretained using interleaved teeth 1604 of two different components ofclamp 1600.

FIGS. 17-21 are side views of clamp 1600, with FIG. 17 depicting clamp1600 in a fully open or uninstalled configuration, and FIGS. 18-21showing claim 1600 during progressive stages of installation of clamp1600 onto powerline conductor 101 and fiber optic cable 112. Beginningwith FIG. 17 , clamp 1600 is shown to include a top member 1702, amiddle member 1704, and a bottom member 1706, aligned in order alongeyebolt 1602. In some embodiments, eyebolt 1602 may be configured to beengaged by a standard tool attachable to a hot stick to facilitateremote actuation of eyebolt 1602 by an operator or installer. Also, insome examples, a guide rod 1708 oriented parallel to eyebolt 1602 may befirmly attached to bottom member 1706 and slidably coupled throughmiddle member 1704 and slidably coupled into top member 1702 to retainproper rotational orientation among top member 1702, middle member 1704,and bottom member 1706 about eyebolt 1602.

As shown in FIG. 17 , a space between operative surfaces of top member1702 and middle member 1704 is depicted as a conductor channel 1712 inwhich powerline conductor 101 is inserted, and a space between anotheroperative surface of middle member 1704 and an operative surface ofbottom member 1706 is labeled a cable channel 1714 in which fiber opticcable 112 is captured. In some examples, conductor channel 1712 may besized to access and clamp powerline conductors 101 ranging from 6millimeters (mm) to over 21 mm in diameter, such as conductors oftenemployed as distribution lines. In yet other embodiments, conductorchannel 1712 may be sized to access and clamp powerline conductors 101ranging from approximately 15-40 mm in diameter, such as those oftenused as transmission lines.

In some embodiments, a lower portion of eyebolt 1602 (e.g., a flange, acushioning component, and/or other component) may rotatably retainbottom member 1706 such that eyebolt 1602 may be rotated while bottommember 1706 is retained near eyebolt 1602. Also, in some examples, topmember 1702 may include a compression spring (not shown in the drawings)surrounding eyebolt 1602 that couples top member 1702 and middle member1704 such that a maximum size for conductor channel 1712 is limited,thus increasing the size of cable channel 1714. Further, in someembodiments, the maximum length by which eyebolt 1602 may be retractedfrom top member 1702 may be limited, thus limiting the maximum size ofcable channel 1714. Consequently, in some examples, the maximum size ofcable channel 1714 may be large enough to capture the largest-diameterfiber optic cable 112 while simultaneously being small enough to preventcapture of the smallest powerline conductor 101 expected to beencountered.

In some embodiments, clamp 1600 may also include a force limiter 1710(e.g., a Belleville spring stack) between bottom member 1706 and aflange of eyebolt 1602, which may dampen a clamping force between bottommember 1706 and middle member 1704, as imposed on fiber optic cable 112to protect fiber optic cable 112.

In FIG. 18 , clamp 1600 is shown during an operation in which clamp 1600is being maneuvered by an operator to separate fiber optic cable 112from powerline conductor 101 using interleaved teeth 1604 of middlemember 1704. Once powerline conductor 101 and fiber optic cable 112 areseparated, clamp 1600 may be further maneuvered, as shown in FIGS. 19and 20 , until powerline conductor 101 is seated at or near a top ofconductor channel 1712 and fiber optic cable 112 is seated at or near atop of cable channel 1714.

Once powerline conductor 101 and fiber optic cable 112 are appropriatelyseated, the operator may actuate (e.g., tighten) eyebolt 1602 to closeconductor channel 1712 and cable channel 1714 to firmly hold powerlineconductor 101 while safely retaining fiber optic cable 112, asillustrated in FIG. 21 . More specifically, as eyebolt 1602 istightened, top member 1702 may be drawn toward bottom member 1706.During this tightening, cable channel 1714 may fully capture fiber opticcable 112 via the meshing of interleaved teeth 1604 prior to top member1702 and middle member 1704 clamping powerline conductor 101 (e.g., dueto the operation of the compression spring in top member 1702). Further,the shape of cable channel 1714, at its smallest, maybe large enough toprevent any damage to fiber optic channel 112 when eyebolt 1602 is fullytightened to clamp powerline conductor 101. Additionally, force limiter1710, as described above, may compress while clamp 1600 is in the fullytightened or closed state to provide further protection against fiberoptic cable 112 damage.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a perspective view and an end view, respectively, ofclamp 1600 with an exemplary cable guide 2202 attached thereto. In someembodiments, cable guide 2202 may be a plastic component that isattached via screws and/or other fasteners to bottom member 1706.Further, cable guide 2202 may define a channel (e.g., a V-shapedchannel) with an arcuate shape that allows some slack in fiber opticcable 112 without allowing optical fiber cable to bend in a manner thatviolates its minimum bend radius. Use of cable guide 2202 may bebeneficial in situations in which a leading portion of fiber optic cable112 is not wrapped about powerline conductor 101, such as when theleading end of fiber optic cable 112 is being coupled to an end of asubsequent segment of fiber optic cable 112, as described above inconjunction with splice case 300.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp accessory 2400 forcoupling a hot stick to clamp 1600 (e.g., to actuate eyebolt 1602), andFIG. 25 is a perspective view of clamp accessory 2400 coupled to clamp1600. As shown, clamp accessory 2400 may include a cylindrical member2402 that has a proximal end that is coupled with a hot stick interface2412 and has a distal end coupled with an eyebolt interface 2410.Further, clamp accessory 2400 may include a actuator sleeve 2404 that isslidably coupled at or near the proximal end of cylindrical member 2402by way of a compression spring 2408. Additionally, actuator sleeve 2404may be actuated by way of a control line 2406 that may be pulled by anoperator or lineman.

In operation, clamp accessory 2400 may be installed at a distal end of astandard hot stick at hot stick interface 2412. An operator may thenmaneuver clamp accessory 2400 to engage eyebolt 1602 to operate clamp1600. In some embodiments, eyebolt interface 2410 may be slid onto theoperative (proximal) end of eyebolt 1602 to firmly capture eyebolt 1602such that eyebolt 1602 may be tightened or loosened using the hot stickvia clamp accessory 2400. Further, in some examples, eyebolt interface2410 may include a latch mechanism (not shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 ) thatfirmly captures eyebolt 1602, possibly without operating actuator sleeve2404. To then release clamp accessory 2400 and the attached hot stickfrom eyebolt 1602 (e.g., after fully tightening eyebolt 1602), theoperator may pull control line 2406 to temporarily compress compressionspring 2408 with actuator sleeve 2404. This movement of actuator sleeve2404 may then release the latch mechanism that captures eyebolt 1602using eyebolt interface 2410, thereby releasing clamp accessory 2400from clamp 1600.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 2600 for installing aclamp (e.g., clamp 1600) onto a powerline conductor (e.g., powerlineconductor 101) and an associated fiber optic cable (e.g., fiber opticcable 112). In method 2600, at step 1610, the clamp may be maneuveredwhile in an open state or configuration (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 17 )such that the powerline conductor is positioned into a first channel ofthe clamp (e.g., conductor channel 1712, as shown in FIGS. 18-20 ) andthe fiber optic cable is positioned in a second channel of the clamp(e.g., cable channel 1714, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 ). At step1620, the clamp may be closed (e.g., via tightening of eyebolt 1602) totransition from the open state to a closed state (e.g., as illustratedin FIG. 21 ) such that the powerline conductor is firmly grasped by theclamp and the fiber optic cable is safely retained by the clamp (e.g.,using interleaved teeth 1604).

In view of the discussion above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-26 ,embodiments of the splice case and associated installation devices andmethods may facilitate the coupling of optical fibers of consecutivesegments of fiber optic cable installed on a powerline conductor at somedistance away from the powerline conductor (e.g., at or near groundlevel), thus enhancing safety during the coupling or splicing process.Moreover, by installing the splice case at the powerline conductor, asopposed to on a utility tower closer to ground level, special componentstypically required for such installations, such as a phase-to-groundtransition, would not be required, and sabotage of such components maybe less likely due to the location of the splice case well above ground.Further, by employing the cable clamp and corresponding accessories andmethods, as described above, fiber optic installation and stabilizationmay be safely carried out while also reducing or eliminating damage tothe fiber optic cable damage.

Example Embodiments

Example 1: A fiber optic cable splice case may include (1) an outerenclosure including a plurality of cable funnels, where each cablefunnel defines a corresponding path from an exterior to an interior ofthe outer enclosure, (2) a clamp connected to the exterior of the outerenclosure, where the clamp is configured to attach the outer enclosureto a powerline conductor, and (3) an inner enclosure positioned at leastpartially within, and rotatably coupled to, the outer enclosure, wherethe inner enclosure defines (a) a splice cavity within the innerenclosure, where the splice cavity is configured to store an opticalfiber splice tray for coupling corresponding optical fibers of each of apair of fiber optic cable segments and (b) a cable channel about anexterior of the inner enclosure, wherein the cable channel is configuredto carry a portion of each of the pair of fiber optic cable segmentsbetween the cable funnels and the splice cavity.

Example 2: The fiber optic cable splice case of Example 1, where theplurality of cable funnels may include two cable funnels positioned atopposing ends of the outer enclosure.

Example 3: The fiber optic cable splice case of Example 2, where theopposing ends of the outer enclosure may align with the powerlineconductor when the clamp attaches the outer enclosure to the powerlineconductor.

Example 4: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where each of the plurality of cable funnels may be shaped toresist bending of the pair of fiber optic cable segments beyond aminimum bend radius.

Example 5: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where (1) the inner enclosure may further include a cable glandfor each of the pair of fiber optic cable segments and (2) each cablegland may retain a corresponding one of the pair of fiber optic cablesegments at the inner enclosure.

Example 6: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where, when the inner enclosure is rotated in a first directionrelative to the outer enclosure, the inner enclosure may draw a portionof each of the pair of fiber optic cable segments into the outerenclosure through a corresponding one of the plurality of cable funnelsand store the portion of each of the pair of fiber optic cable segmentsin the cable channel.

Example 7: The fiber optic cable splice case of Example 6, where theouter enclosure may further include at least one cable guide thatretains the portion of each of the pair of fiber optic cable segmentswhile the inner enclosure is rotated in the first direction relative tothe outer enclosure.

Example 8: The fiber optic cable splice cable of Example 6, where thesplice case may further include a retention feature that releasablyprevents rotation of the inner enclosure relative to the outer enclosureat least in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Example 9: The fiber optic cable splice case of Example 6, where thecable channel may include a U-shaped channel that retains the portion ofeach of the pair of fiber optic cable segments within the cable channel.

Example 10: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where each of the plurality of cable funnels may be positionedcompletely within the outer enclosure.

Example 11: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where splice case may further include an inner enclosure lidthat engages the inner enclosure to cover the splice cavity.

Example 12: The fiber optic cable splice case of Example 11, where (1)the inner enclosure lid may define at least one pair of engagement holespositioned opposite each other across a center of rotation of the innerenclosure lid and (2) each of the at least one pair of engagement holesmay be configured to be engaged by a pair of engagement pins of aloading device to rotate the inner enclosure to reduce slack in the pairof fiber optic cable segments while the pair of fiber optic cablesegments are coupled to the powerline conductor.

Example 13: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where the splice case may further include a clamp standoffconnecting the clamp to the outer enclosure, where the clamp standoffcomprises a tracking resistant material.

Example 14: The fiber optic cable splice case of any one of Examples 1,2, or 3, where the outer enclosure may include a tracking resistantmaterial.

Example 15: A method may include (1) feeding a portion of a first fiberoptic cable segment through a first cable funnel of an outer enclosureof a fiber optic cable splice case into an inner enclosure of the fiberoptic cable splice case, where the inner enclosure is positioned atleast partially within the outer enclosure, (2) feeding a portion of asecond fiber optic cable segment into a second cable funnel of the outerenclosure into the inner enclosure, (3) joining an end of each of aplurality of optical fibers of the first fiber optic cable segment to anend of a corresponding one of a plurality of optical fibers of thesecond fiber optic cable segment, (4) securing the joined ends within asplice cavity of the inner enclosure, (5) moving the optical fiber cablesplice case into a position proximate a powerline conductor to which thefirst fiber optic cable segment and the second fiber optic cable segmentare coupled, (6) retracting an excess of the first fiber optic cablesegment and an excess of the second fiber optic cable segment into theouter enclosure, and (7) securing the fiber optic cable splice case tothe powerline conductor at the position.

Example 16: The method of Example 15, where (1) the inner enclosure maybe rotatably coupled to the outer enclosure and (2) the method mayfurther include rotating the inner enclosure relative to the outerenclosure to retract the excess of the first fiber optic cable segmentand the excess of the second fiber optic cable segment by wrapping theexcess of the first fiber optic cable segment and the excess of thesecond fiber optic cable segment onto a cable channel defined about anexterior of the inner enclosure.

Example 17: The method of Example 16, where the method may furtherinclude locking, after retracting the excess of the first fiber opticcable segment and the excess of the second fiber optic cable segmentinto the outer enclosure, a current rotational position of the innerenclosure relative to the outer enclosure.

Example 18: The method of any one of Examples 15, 16, or 17, where thefirst cable funnel and the second cable funnel may be located atopposing ends of the outer enclosure.

Example 19: The method of Example 18, where the opposing ends of theouter enclosure may align with the powerline conductor when the fiberoptic cable splice case is secured to the powerline conductor at theposition.

Example 20: A fiber optic cable splice case may include (1) an outerenclosure including a first opening and a second opening, where thefirst opening and the second opening each defines a path from anexterior to an interior of the outer enclosure, (2) a clamp configuredto attach the outer enclosure to a powerline conductor, and (3) an innerenclosure positioned at least partially within, and rotatably coupledto, the outer enclosure, where the inner enclosure defines (a) a splicecavity within the inner enclosure, where the splice cavity is configuredto store coupled ends of corresponding optical fibers of a first fiberoptic cable segment and a second fiber optic cable segment and (b) acable channel about an exterior of the inner enclosure, where the cablechannel is configured to (i) carry a portion of the first fiber opticcable segment between the first opening and the splice cavity and (ii)carry a portion of the second fiber optic cable segment between thesecond opening and the splice cavity.

The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/orillustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied asdesired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or describedherein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps donot necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated ordiscussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustratedherein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustratedherein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosedherein should be considered in all respects illustrative and notrestrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and theirequivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (andtheir derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to beconstrued as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via otherelements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,”as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning“at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and“having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification andclaims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word“comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable splice case comprising: an outerenclosure comprising a plurality of cable funnels, wherein each cablefunnel defines a corresponding path from an exterior to an interior ofthe outer enclosure; and an inner enclosure positioned at leastpartially within, and rotatably coupled to, the outer enclosure, whereinthe inner enclosure defines: a splice cavity configured to store asplice tray for coupling a pair of cable segments to each other; and acable channel configured to carry a portion of each cable segment of thepair of cable segments between the cable funnels and the splice cavity.2. The cable splice case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cablefunnels comprises two cable funnels positioned at opposing ends of theouter enclosure.
 3. The cable splice case of claim 1, further comprisinga clamp connected to the exterior of the outer enclosure, wherein theclamp is configured to attach the outer enclosure to a powerlineconductor.
 4. The cable splice case of claim 3, further comprising aclamp standoff connecting the outer enclosure to the clamp, wherein theclamp standoff comprises a tracking resistant material.
 5. The cablesplice case of claim 4, wherein the tracking resistant material of theclamp standoff is nonmetallic.
 6. The cable splice case of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of cable funnels is shaped to resistbending of the pair of cable segments beyond a minimum bend radius ofthe cable segments.
 7. The cable splice case of claim 1, wherein thesplice cavity is within the inner enclosure.
 8. The cable splice case ofclaim 1, wherein, when the inner enclosure is rotated in a firstdirection relative to the outer enclosure, the inner enclosure draws aportion of each of the pair of cable segments into the outer enclosurethrough a corresponding one of the plurality of cable funnels and storesthe portion of each of the pair of cable segments in the cable channel.9. The cable splice case of claim 8, wherein the outer enclosure furthercomprises at least one cable guide that retains the portion of each ofthe pair of cable segments while the inner enclosure is rotated in thefirst direction relative to the outer enclosure.
 10. The cable splicecase of claim 8, further comprising a retention feature that releasablyprevents rotation of the inner enclosure relative to the outer enclosureat least in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 11. Thecable splice case of claim 1, wherein the cable channel is positionedabout an exterior of the inner enclosure.
 12. The cable splice case ofclaim 1, wherein the pair of cable segments comprises a pair of fiberoptic cable segments.
 13. The cable splice case of claim 1, furthercomprising an inner enclosure lid that engages the inner enclosure tocover the splice cavity.
 14. The cable splice case of claim 1, furthercomprising a hub rotatably coupling the inner enclosure to the outerenclosure.
 15. The fiber optic cable splice case of claim 1, wherein theouter enclosure comprises a tracking resistant material.
 16. The cablesplice case of claim 15, wherein the tracking resistant material of theouter enclosure is nonmetallic.
 17. A method comprising: feeding aportion of a first cable segment through a first cable funnel of anouter enclosure of a cable splice case into an inner enclosure of thecable splice case, wherein the inner enclosure is positioned at leastpartially within the outer enclosure; feeding a portion of a secondcable segment into a second cable funnel of the outer enclosure into theinner enclosure; joining an end of the first cable segment to an end ofthe second cable segment; securing the joined ends within a splicecavity of the inner enclosure; and retracting an excess of the firstcable segment and an excess of the second cable segment into the outerenclosure.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the inner enclosure isrotatably coupled to the outer enclosure; and the method furthercomprises rotating the inner enclosure relative to the outer enclosureto retract the excess of the first cable segment and the excess of thesecond cable segment by wrapping the excess of the first cable segmentand the excess of the second cable segment onto a cable channelpositioned about an exterior of the inner enclosure.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the first cable segment and the second cable segmentcomprise a first fiber optic cable segment and a second fiber opticcable segment.
 20. A cable splice case comprising: an outer enclosureincluding a first opening and a second opening, wherein the firstopening defines a first path for a first cable segment to pass from anexterior to an interior of the outer enclosure and the second openingdefines a second path from the exterior to the interior of the outerenclosure; and an inner enclosure positioned at least partially within,and rotatably coupled to, the outer enclosure, wherein the innerenclosure defines: a splice cavity configured to store coupled ends of afirst cable segment and a second cable segment; and a cable channelconfigured to carry a portion of the first cable segment and a portionof the second cable segment.